Teachers who can't control a class

bobbyss

I have spent most of my career in adult education and accordingly have never had to deal with any discipline issues whatsoever. But when I first started out I was a sub in a vocational school for about two months. During that time I saw staff who had iron discipline without ever raising their voices and unfortunately I saw those who had little or none. They were called nasty names, jeered at and taunted endlessly inside and outside the class. It must have been a terrible and traumatic experience. I felt that no amount of intervention would sort the issue out. I have no idea whether those teachers continued to work in education and continued put up with that or not.

What I would like to know is are there staff in your school who are especially targeted and why. How have they coped? Did they stay?

Treppen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058419593/teachers-who-cant-control-a-class

Took me a while, to figure out a few strategies as I came from adult education so assumed everybody was there for the love of education!

But I don't think I could have lasted long if I didn't find my "teacher voice".

Also a little guidance from other teachers can go a long long way, even if it's just one or two words of advice.

Best advice ever for my 'worst' group ever... Just pretend you like them!

Hontou

I had years of teaching where I had control of second-level classes, evidenced by relative quiet and work getting completed. Then suddenly, a very disruptive student caused me to lose control. With that class group, I found the solution was in the problem and put them doing group work where the noise was part of the lesson. I moved into teaching adults in PLC when the opportunity arose. Overall the behaviour is better, but if you get one that doesn't like you in adult education, they can turn a class against you. It's not an easy job, but thankfully most students are respectful. It's like any job. There are always a few that cause the problems. I'm noticing more teachers leaving in their 40s and 50s and not waiting until retirement age.

mtoutlemonde

Best advice I got many years ago … don't shout or raise your voice. It works!

The main thing students respond to is respect. You have to get them working with you not against you. In my classes, I stand at the door start and end of every class and welcome and say goodbye. Learn names quickly. A good seating plan. Have a sense of humour and let A LOT go. The quiet word with a disruptive student, getting them to reflect on their behaviour works for me. Poor behaviour is always a mask for some reason. Give the student the time and be interested in what they say … it may be subject interest but could be something going on. Building positive relationships works. Try your best to solve your own classification management problems - no year head, deputy or principal. (Unless its serious) Remember to praise - even the LCerts respond to this.

I've seen and experienced poor teaching - rude teachers, shouting and roaring, impatient, lack of subhecf matter and wonder why they stay in the job considering every day will be a nightmare and you're dreading work.

That's my advice and it has worked for me. Just think of how you would like to be treated and do the same with your students. Bottom line, relationships and maybe boundary setting when you meet a class for the first rst time. Remember you will see students x times a week and you need to enjoy your job.